Women urged to stay safe on New Year's Eve

December 31, 2004|By Kathryn Masterson, RedEye.

The Chicago chapter of the National Organization for Women is urging women to be vigilant about their safety this New Year's holiday, especially after two rapes in Wrigleyville and an attempted sexual assault in Lincoln Park in the last two weeks.

About 20 volunteers passed out fliers at various "L" stops on the North Side on Thursday. The fliers outline safety tips and show the two composite sketches of the Wrigleyville rape suspects. The group also plans to post the tips and sketches in area bars.

Jennifer Koehler, president of the local NOW chapter, said that before they go out, women should think about how they will get home safely, especially if they will be drinking. Women need to be alert to the possibility of a stranger attack or an acquaintance rape, which is the most common type of sexual assault.

"Women really need to look out for each other," Koehler said. "New Year's is obviously a wild weekend."

Some safety tips from the Chicago Police and Rape Victim Advocates:

- Follow your instinct. Don't worry about offending someone or not seeming polite. If someone is making you feel unsafe, get away from that person.

- Keep an eye on your drink.

- Establish a buddy system to leave a bar or event with a friend.

- If you feel you're being followed, go somewhere else that's not your house, like an open restaurant or business.

- If you see something suspicious, call 911.

- When walking at night, walk with a group of people or friends. Ask someone to escort you to your car or home.